Review
The Goodman 3-ton horizontal gas furnace and air conditioner system lands squarely in the contractor sweet spot, balancing efficiency, reliability, and installation simplicity. This unit pairs an 80,000 BTU furnace rated at 96% AFUE with a 36,000 BTU cooling section delivering 14 SEER performance. Designed for upflow or horizontal placement, it addresses real space constraints in attics and basements where vertical clearance limits options. The multi-speed blower motor and scroll compressor indicate solid engineering rather than budget-corner-cutting.
Performance numbers tell the practical story. The 96% AFUE rating means 96 cents of every heating dollar converts to warmth, a meaningful improvement over older 80-85% units. On cooling, the 14 SEER rating supports 3-ton capacity through 36,000 BTU output, sufficient for roughly 1,200 to 1,400 square feet in moderate climates. Electrical demands stay reasonable at 18.7 to 30 amps on 208/230v single-phase power. The unit moves up to 1,600 CFM through ducting, and 73 dBA noise levels remain acceptable for basement installations but noticeable indoors.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 96% AFUE heating efficiency translates to roughly 4% less fuel waste than 92% AFUE units over a heating season
- 14 SEER cooling rating meets current efficiency standards for most U.S. regions without premium pricing
- Multi-speed blower motor allows variable airflow, improving comfort compared to single-speed designs
- Plastic PVC exhaust accommodates modern venting codes and reduces installation costs versus metal flue requirements
- Scroll compressor technology delivers quiet operation at 73 dBA and proven reliability in residential applications
Cons
- Single-stage burner and condenser mean the system runs at full capacity even during mild weather, reducing off-season efficiency
- Not Energy Star certified, suggesting it occupies the middle tier rather than top-tier efficiency class
- 73 dBA operating noise is moderately loud and may be noticeable in quieter homes or bedrooms near equipment
Who Should Buy
Best For
Contractors installing replacement systems in homes with horizontal configuration constraints, and homeowners seeking reliable mid-tier efficiency without paying for modulating or variable-capacity premium models. This unit fits homes where 3-ton cooling capacity matches the load and budget runs $3,000 to $5,000 for the system.
Consider Alternatives If
Buyers seeking Energy Star certification, ultra-quiet operation below 70 dBA, or modulating capacity that adjusts to partial loads should compare higher-tier models.
Installation
Horizontal configuration requires ductwork on both sides with proper return and supply plenum connections. The unit accepts PVC plastic exhaust venting, which simplifies routing through walls and roofs. Suction and liquid line sizes measure 3/4 inches and 3/8 inches respectively, with 30 feet of pre-insulated refrigerant line included. Mounting requires stable, level surface in conditioned or semi-conditioned space. Professional installation strongly recommended for proper refrigerant charge and airflow verification.
Warranty & Reliability
Goodman covers the entire system for 10 years when you register within 60 days of installation. This covers parts and labor, protecting your investment against compressor failure, heat exchanger cracks, and blower motor defects. Registration is straightforward online and essential, as warranty defaults to one year if skipped. Ten-year coverage ranks as solid mid-market protection, though some premium brands extend to 12 years.
Specifications
| SKU | LS38343830 |
| Brand/Manufacturer | Online Supply |
| Cooling BTU | 36,000 |
| Heating BTU | 80,000 |
| Refrigerant | R410A |
| Electrical | 208 / 230v 1 Phase 60 Hz |
| Warranty | 10 Years with Online Registration |
| Decibel Level (dBA) | 73 |
| Weight (in lbs) | 35.000000 |
| Feature | Spec |
| Airflow Direction | Upflow/Horizontal |
| Exhaust Flue Requirement | Plastic / PVC |
| Furnace Efficiency / AFUE | 96% |
| Blower Motor | Multi Speed |
| Maximum CFM | 1600 |
| Configuration | Horizontal |
| Flue Location | Right |
| Burner Stages | Single |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
| Height | 32.5" |
| Width | 29" |
| Depth | 29" |
| Resources | Goodman Installation Manual Goodman Specifications Goodman Brochure Goodman Warranty Information Goodman Service Instructions Goodman Kit Instructions Goodman Parts Manual You will need Adobe® Acrobat® Reader to view PDF documents. |
| Safety Information | PROPOSITION 65 WARNING This product and many products on our site may contain a chemical know to the state of California to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information about Proposition 65 please Click Here. |
| Liquid Line | 3/8" |
| Suction Line | 3/4" |
| Tonnage | 3 Ton |
| Style | A-Coil |
| Energy Star | No |
| SEER1 (Efficiency) | 14 |
| Condenser Stages | Single Stage |
| Compressor Type | Scroll |
| Liquid Valve Size | 3/8" |
| Suction Valve Size | 3/4" |
| Max Breaker Size | 30 Amps |
| Min. Breaker Size | 18.7 Amps |
| Suction Line Insulation Thickness | 3/4" |
| Length | 30 feet |
Frequently Asked Questions
Affiliate disclosure: IndustrialRank earns a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we have independently reviewed.